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Planning your meals during Ramadan can be a daunting task. But with a little bit of organization, a bunch of great ideas, and creativity, you can easily meal prep healthy and satisfying meals for both iftar and suhoor to help keep you satiated and energized throughout the holy month.
Table of Contents
To help get you started, I’ve put together a list of meal-planning ideas featuring 112 healthy Ramadan recipes for you to try. From tasty breakfast items to hearty main dishes, your options are vast. So whether you’re looking for something new to add to your iftar menu or are just starting to plan out your suhoor meals, there is something for everyone in this roundup.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During this holy month, Muslims fast and abstain from food and water during sunlight hours. We do this every day for 30 days.
Fasting helps to cleanse the soul, teaches self-discipline and empathy for those less fortunate, and encourages acts of generosity. There’s so much more on this topic online. And I can provide more amazing resources if anyone’s interested. But today, I want to focus on the health aspects and delicious Ramadan recipes.
What are the Health Benefits of Fasting?
There are amazing mental health benefits that come from this month-long ritual of sacrifice and self-discipline. Oftentimes, people find they can think more clearly, they’re more productive, and they have better concentration, which can lead to moments of clarity in specific areas of one’s life that might be blocked during the rest of the year.
The physical benefits of fasting are numerous as well and are what I really want to focus on. When the body isn’t constantly digesting food, it can go into a deep cleansing mode. This detoxifies the liver, kidneys, and other organs in the body. All of which helps improve our overall health and well-being. Here are some of the top physiological benefits of fasting:
- Lose weight. By skipping lunch and not eating until the sun sets, you will most likely consume fewer calories and less fat throughout the month. This may result in weight loss. I usually lose 5 pounds and keep it off for at least a few months.
- Lower blood sugar. One of the immediate effects of fasting is lowered blood sugar. And that can also result in lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. All that means better cardiovascular health!
- Detoxify your body. Not eating or drinking during the day is a method of detoxing your body naturally. It gives your digestive system a chance to cleanse itself.
- Reduce appetite. I’m always surprised by how little food I actually need to feel full when I break my fast. During the month, many people notice an appetite reduction. That’s so important because it can help you restructure your relationship with food and limit overindulgence.
- Improve metabolism. By skipping meals during the day, your metabolism may become more efficient. We’re giving our digestive system a break. That makes it more efficient. And that means it can better process the nutrients in the food we eat.
How Do you Stay Healthy During Ramadan?
There are a few things you can do to stay healthy during Ramadan, which I will get to in just a second. But, the biggest thing you can do during the holy month is to make sure you’re nourishing your body with healthy, high-quality foods. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Try not to let convenience and hunger rule you when choosing what to break your fast with at iftar. To prevent opting for unhealthy convenience food, I recommend meal prepping and planning ahead. Here are some other tips for staying healthy during Ramadan:
- Wake up for ‘Suhoor.’ This is the meal eaten before dawn. It can help you get more nutrients in your body.
- Have well-balanced meals. Make sure each of the two meals includes complex carbs, high-fiber food, and protein-rich foods. These well-balanced meals will help you replenish your energy.
- Drink plenty of fluids. You can also do this by eating water-dense fruits or soups. The goal is to consume the equivalent of 8 cups of water to avoid dehydration. I know it’s hard, but try to limit the caffeine, which can stimulate water loss.
- Cut down on processed foods and those with refined carbs such as sugar and white flour. They don’t have many nutrients and will not give you the energy and nutrition your body is craving.
- Break your fast with dates and water. An average serving of dates has 31 grams of carbs. That will give you the right amount of energy after a long day of fasting. They have high levels of fiber for digestion, and are packed with potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin B.
Suhoor Ramadan Recipes
Suhoor is a great time to enjoy breakfast recipes. Especially recipes that will keep you feeling energized and full throughout the day. Because this meal happens so early, I recommend preparing as much as you can the night before, so it’s ready to enjoy when you wake up without prep work. Four popular categories for suhoor recipes are oatmeal, egg-based dishes, smoothies, and traditional Middle Eastern breakfasts. These are the perfect go-to Ramadan recipes to start your day.
Oatmeal Recipes
My favorite suhoor to prepare during the month are simple oatmeal recipes that come together quickly or can be prepared ahead of time for a quick breakfast.
Easy oatmeal ideas for meal prep:
- Overnight Oats – One of my favorite quick recipes are overnight oats, where I can just grab a spoon in the morning and dig in without having to do any other preparations! You can enjoy them cold or warmed with endless topping possibilities. I love using Oath oats for super quick preparation and amazing flavor without the need for several different ingredients.
- Oatmeal Breakfast Bars – Enjoy these chewy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars in the early morning to fuel your body for the day. They’re great for meal prepping in advance and packed with heart-healthy oats!
- One Pan Baked Oatmeal – One of the easiest suhoor recipes are baked oats. Prepare the night before and toss it in the oven while you get ready. It’s a delicious baked oatmeal full of bananas, oats, blueberries, and chia seeds.
- Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats – A hearty breakfast that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, almond butter, shredded coconut, and so much more.
- Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal – This vegan oatmeal recipe is made with pantry staples for a healthy and delicious meal. Bake ahead of time and simply heat up in the morning for a quick breakfast.
- Protein Baked Oats – A twist on the classic baked oats recipe, these protein baked oats uses ground oats and results in chewy, fluffy, light texture. Like many suhoor recipes, you can meal prep these baked oats and be set for the week ahead.
- Scrambled Oats – Pan-fried mixture of oats, bananas, and eggs makes a deliciously flavored breakfast that has the texture of soft and chewy granola. Enjoy over homemade yogurt for a satiating and creamy breakfast.
- Protein Oatmeal with Bananas – Full of protein and sweetened with fresh bananas, this bowl of oatmeal is one of the quickest yet protein-packed Ramadan food ideas.
- Savory Oatmeal with Egg – Change your oatmeal game with this savory bowl. Oats are cooked with water, parmesan cheese, and topped with veggies, and a fried egg. This is a must on your Ramadan meal plan!
Egg-Based Recipes
If you’re looking for something warm and savory and loaded with protein, try a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs. Scrambled eggs take a couple of minutes to cook, will fill you up for the day, and don’t require any ingredients aside from olive oil (or butter), salt, and pepper.
For more suhoor recipes with eggs, try:
- Egg and Avocado Meal Prep – Prepping breakfast boxes is a stress-free way to start your day. Fill with a boiled egg, sliced avocado, another veggie like tomatoes, and a few slices of toast for a meal ready to go.
- Inside Out Omelette – Deliciously cheesy and made with a few simple ingredients, this omelette is low-carb and ready to enjoy in minutes, making it one of my favorite easy Ramadan recipes.
- Mediterranean Egg Wrap – This Mediterranean Egg Wrap is a breakfast sandwich that is packed with protein, color, and incredible flavor. Perfect for on-the-go mornings and a must-try on your Ramadan meal plan!
- Shakshuka – This traditional breakfast recipe is a must-try for a savory, wholesome vegetarian breakfast! It’s bursting with Middle Eastern flavor and the best runny eggs cooked in one pan!
- Green Shakshuka – Green Shakshuka is a modern version of the recipe above. It still includes cracked eggs, but instead of the rich red sauce, eggs are served over a medley of green vegetables.
- Sheet Pan Eggs – Add this to your list of easy Ramadan recipes. It’s a great way to cook a breakfast that feeds a crowd. These sheet pan eggs are also great for meal prep. Quick, easy, and oh-so-good!
- Egg White Bites – You’ll love the ease and convenience of these bites, made with egg whites, cottage cheese, roasted red pepper, and spinach. Having pre-made breakfast foods on your Ramadan meal plan makes early mornings effortless.
- Crispy Feta Fried Eggs – This 10-minute breakfast is the ultimate fast food. It’s made with crispied feta cheese, harissa or pesto, tortilla, fresh herbs, and an egg.
- Mushroom Frittata – Egg bakes like this frittata are one of the best Ramadan food ideas because they’re versatile, customizable, and so hearty and delicious.
- Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese – When you don’t know how to start the day, this simple but satisfying egg option is a great choice. The cottage cheese makes this a protein-packed suhoor recipe, keeping you full longer.
Smoothie Recipes
For an even quicker breakfast, you can switch it up with some easy smoothie recipes for breakfast. Keep some frozen bananas, strawberries, or other fruits in your freezer, so you don’t need to use ice, and you can then whip up any of these smoothies in a couple of minutes.
For smoothie suhoor recipes, try:
- Date Shake – One of my favorite easy Ramadan recipes is this smoothie. Made with all-natural ingredients and no added sugar, this date smoothie is packed full of protein and fiber. It’s going to keep you feeling full for a while!
- Breakfast Coffee Smoothie – This breakfast coffee smoothie is your morning meal on-the-go with everything you need to get you going – coffee, oats, banana, milk, and protein powder.
- Strawberry Protein Smoothie – A smoothie that is creamy and rich with a natural sweetness from the fruit and loaded with protein to give you energy and fuel!
- Superfood Smoothie – This smoothie is loaded with 5 nutrient-rich superfoods that can have a positive effect on your health and keep you feeling full longer.
- Pomegranate Smoothie – Simple, fast, nutrient-dense, and an amazing shade of pink, this healthy Pomegranate Smoothie is made with only 5 ingredients and will become one of your favorite suhoor recipes after the first sip!
- Banana Date Smoothie – This banana date smoothie uses frozen bananas, dates, nutty almond butter, warm cardamom, and creamy almond milk – this shake will keep you full all day!
- Green Smoothie – This green smoothie is a nutritional powerhouse filled with spinach, avocado, pineapple, chia seeds, and almond milk to help keep you energized.
- Freezer Smoothie Packs – Not only are they quick and easy to make, but you can also customize them to your own taste. Try one of my 4 favorite smoothie pack recipes so you’re set whenever you need easy suhoor recipes!
- Kale Coconut Smoothie – Made with coconut water, fresh kale, and bananas, this smoothie is the perfect breakfast for Ramadan.
- Smoothie Bowl – This delicious and creamy blend is thicker than smoothies but loaded with nutrients and has endless combinations. I show you 3 different ways to make smoothie bowls so they keep you full and satisfied.
Traditional Middle-Eastern Breakfast Recipes
Finally, the most nostalgic Ramadan recipes for breakfast for me are always the Middle Eastern ones. These are more common on weekends with family as they require more prep. As with all other suhoor recipes, though, a little prep the night before goes a long way, so do as much as you can the night before.
For more suhoor recipes, try:
- Zaatar Manakeesh: Is a staple Mediterranean flatbread that’s made with dough and zaatar spice that is often served as a simple yet delicious suhoor breakfast.
- Ful Medames – Ful Medames is a popular Middle Eastern breakfast recipe that’s made with cooked fava beans and cumin, then topped with a garlicky lemon olive oil sauce! It’s one of the more traditional suhoor recipes and for good reason!
- Labneh with pita bread – It’s a tangy Mediterranean yogurt cheese made with only two simple ingredients! You can also learn how to make the best pita bread from scratch for dipping.
- Shakshuka with Feta – Shakshuka with Feta is a one-skillet meal like eggs in purgatory. Eggs are poached in a spiced tomato sauce with caramelized onions and sprinkled with feta! Be sure to add this to your Ramadan meal plan.
- Ejjeh (Lebanese Omelette) – Made with whisked eggs, lots of fresh herbs and seasonings, and perfect for a satisfying suhoor meal. Easy, nourishing, and oh-so-delicious!
- Atayef – This breakfast is an airy and slightly sweet Middle Eastern dessert stuffed with cheese and drizzled with sugar syrup (ater) and crushed pistachios.
Iftar Ramadan Recipes
When it’s time to break your fast, you can have your pick of so many different foods to eat. Below, I share some traditional iftar recipes we typically eat during this month broken up into appetizers, salads, soups, traditional stews, accompanying sides, main proteins, and finishing off with sweet Ramadan food ideas.
Ramadan Appetizers
Break your fast with delicious appetizers to kick off your dinner. From classic hummus to hand pies, these mouthwatering iftar ideas set the tone for your Ramadan meal.
For more mezze and Ramadan finger foods, try:
- Best Hummus Recipe – This is truly the best hummus recipe. It’s simple and classic with the right balance of flavors. In this post, I share my 4 tips for making smooth, creamy, and ultra-rich hummus. I also have Hummus with Ground Beef – which, when served with pita, is a meal on its own!
- Roasted Garlic Hummus – Two large heads of roasted garlic come together with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and EVOO for the most amazing roasted garlic hummus you’ve ever tried! You can also serve this as part of a mezze platter, complete with pita chips and fresh veggies.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves – Warak arish is a Mediterranean classic recipe made with short grain rice, parsley, tomatoes, and onions. It’s my favorite vegetarian appetizer and very popular to eat during Ramadan. I’ve also shared the meat-stuffed grape leaves recipe, which is made with a spiced ground beef and rice mixture.
- Meat Pies – These Lebanese meat pies (sfeehas) are a delicious Middle Eastern appetizer. Made with a crispy dough and filled with a spiced meat filling, this starter makes an excellent addition to your iftar spread.
- Spinach Pies – Made with a simple homemade dough recipe, stuffed with a spinach, herb, and lemon filling, and baked in the oven until golden and puffed. Your house will smell like the best Middle Eastern bakery!
- Arayes– Quick and easy to make, these Lebanese meat-stuffed pitas are one delicious recipe! These beef arayes are ready to enjoy in minutes, and every bite is truly tasty!
- Zaatar Spring Rolls – This zaatar spring rolls recipe is a Lebanese-inspired oven-baked appetizer that’s savory, crunchy & incredibly easy to make with wonton/egg wrappers. Freeze a batch for a fast snack!
- Halloumi Fries – My fries are baked in the oven for maximum crunch and a healthier version of the fried cheese sticks you get at restaurants. Perfectly golden on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside – these fries are cheesy iftar ideas with a tasty twist.
- Kibbeh Balls – You can’t go wrong with traditional fried Lebanese kibbeh balls! They are a delicious appetizer made with bulgur wheat and seasoned ground beef and onion filling!
- Rakakat – Crispy cheese rolls are perfectly crunchy, with ooey-gooey cheese. This appetizer is made with just a few ingredients and a fantastic Lebanese recipe for Ramadan! You must add this to your Ramadan meal plan.
Salad Recipes
If you are looking for lively and vibrant iftar ideas, consider incorporating salads into your Ramadan meal plan. These refreshing dishes promise a burst of flavor and texture and offers a healthy start to breaking your fast.
For delicious iftar ideas with salads, try these:
- Fattoush Salad – One of my favorite iftar recipes is one that my mom literally makes every single day during the month. This salad is made with simple, fresh vegetables and toasted pita bread, then tossed in a zesty sumac Mediterranean dressing! It’s an authentic recipe I know you’ll love!
- Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad – Another very popular and traditional salad. It’s a fresh Mediterranean appetizer salad made with bulgur, parsley, mint, and very finely chopped vegetables. Because it doesn’t include lettuce, you can make a large batch and enjoy for 2-3 days without the salad wilting.
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad – This fresh and healthy vegetarian recipe is loaded with protein from the chickpeas and full of colorful vegetables and a bright lemony taste. It’s perfect for a light but satisfying iftar recipe.
- Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad – This salad requires 4 simple ingredients and is paired with a fresh dill & lemon vinaigrette! One of my favorite Ramadan food ideas because it’s fresh, light, and oh-so-good!
- Zucchini Salad – Ribbons of zucchini are tossed with walnuts, parmesan, and a sweet and tangy red wine vinaigrette. Quick and easy to prep, it’s bursting with fresh flavors and a must-try on your list of fresh iftar recipes.
- Bulgur Chickpea Salad – Full of fresh flavors and healthy ingredients, this is one delicious dish with authentic Lebanese ingredients and flavors infused! Add this one to your repertoire of easy Ramadan recipes.
- Farro Goat Cheese Salad -Perfect for a light, healthy iftar dinner. The combination of fresh kale, nutty farro, tangy goat cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Crispy Feta Crouton Salad – Cubes of feta are coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and air fried to perfection. This is such a fun way to elevate a simple salad and one of the most delightful Ramadan food ideas you’ll come across.
- Chickpea Couscous Salad – This salad is full of flavor and texture, thanks to the addition of delicious ingredients, all of which marry together perfectly. It’s a great salad to accompany other iftar recipes when breaking your fast.
- Mediterranean Chopped Salad – If you’re on the hunt for iftar ideas that will fill you up, consider serving this chopped salad. It’s full of veggies, hearty chickpeas, feta cheese, and olives and is incredibly flavorful.
Ramadan Soup Recipes
Warm up your evenings with a comforting bowl of soup. These Ramadan soup recipes are excellent iftar ideas because each spoonful offers comfort, flavor, and nutrition.
Hearty, easy, and nourishing soup ideas to try:
- Crushed Lentil Soup – The most popular soup during Ramadan. It’s so good – it’s actually one of my all-time favorite soup recipes that I make all year long. It’s made with red lentils, short-grain rice, onions, carrots, and cumin and topped with the tangy taste of freshly squeezed lemon juice – comforting, delicious, and healthy!
- Lemon Rice Soup – This vegetarian soup is a warm and comforting soup to include as part of your Ramadan recipes that’s so easy to make, loaded with vegetables, and keeps you feeling full and satiated.
- Chicken Noodle Soup – Another popular Ramadan soup, but I make it with a Middle Eastern twist using vermicelli pasta instead of egg noodles. This classic soup recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients and packed with nutrients for the hungry fasting soul!
- Moghrabieh – For inspiring Ramadan food ideas, consider adding Moghrabieh to your iftar spread. It’s a traditional Lebanese stew and is a firm family favorite. High in protein, this soup is made with a spiced chicken broth and is so hearty and delicious.
- Mediterranean White Bean Soup – It’s a super easy recipe to make with no fancy ingredients or complicated steps. And you can use canned white beans to make it even faster and easier.
- Roasted Red Pepper Soup – The fresh ingredients and herbs pair perfectly with the red peppers, tomatoes, and vegetable broth! Just 45 minutes for a wholesome soup recipe that will round out your Ramadan meal plan well.
- Baked Feta Soup – Made with orzo pasta, salty feta cheese, and fresh and sweet cherry tomatoes, this is one delicious soup recipe to try! A must on your repertoire of easy Ramadan recipes.
- Red Lentil Chicken Soup – This red lentil soup recipe is inspired by my Lebanese crushed lentil soup, but it’s bursting with a vibrant orange color, a different spice blend, and includes shredded chicken.
- Lebanese Freekeh Soup with Chicken – A rich, savory broth full of hearty grains and shredded chicken and is perfect for Ramadan days. The recipe is easy to make and can be modified based on what you have available.
- Tomato Lentil Soup – Nutrient-packed lentil soup is a flavorful vegetable-based broth full of protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s hearty, filling, and vegan! A perfect addition to your Ramadan meal plan!
One-Pot Stew Recipes
At least once a week during Ramadan, you’ll find me and many others who are fasting during this month, preparing a type of stew dish. They are generally tomato broth-based stews that are made by sauteing garlic and cilantro with veggies, meat, or chicken and then served over a side dish like rice. I have many variations of this stew recipe below, so you can try something different each week!
For hearty traditional Arabic recipes, try:
- Peas and Carrots Stew – This is one of the more popular Ramadan food ideas because it’s nutritious and so comforting. I make this traditional recipe at least once a month, and it’s an excellent meal during Ramadan.
- Lebanese Green Bean Stew – This Lebanese green bean stew is a one-pot meal made with chicken, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. It’s a full-bodied meal! Serve over white or brown rice or on its own.
- Spinach Stew – Try this authentic Lebanese style spinach stew made with simple ingredients; it’s wholesome and well-balanced. It’s perfect to feed a large family and easy to prepare for a quick iftar meal.
- White Bean Stew – This one-pot Lebanese bean stew is so easy to make and loaded with fresh flavor. But the biggest perk of this weeknight meal is that it’s perfect for freezer dinners.
- Kafta and Potato Stew – This traditional Lebanese kafta and potato stew is a hearty meal that the whole family will love! Seasoned meatballs are cooked in a rich tomato sauce for a healthy and delicious meal.
- Okra Stew (Bamyeh) – A delicious hearty stew made with garlic, cilantro, tomato sauce, beef, and fresh or frozen okra. It’s super easy to make in one pot, has a ton of nutrition, and is very comforting.
- Kibbeh in Yogurt Sauce – Break up into two cooking days: one for making the kibbeh and one for assembling everything together. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for large family gatherings and breaking your fast during Ramadan.
- Molokhia – This is one of those traditional meals that tops the list of delicious iftar recipes. This is my mom’s classic Lebanese recipe that’s true to our family. It’s a jew’s mallow stew made with shredded chicken swimming in a savory lemon broth.
- Eggplant Stew – Full of delicious Mediterranean flavors, this is a big bowl of comfort with a bit of heat from the harissa. It’s quick to make, delicious to eat, and makes a great option for your Ramadan meal plan.
Side Dish Iftar Recipes
Round off your Ramadan meal plan by incorporating side dishes to complement iftar stews. From rice-based dishes to easy pasta, these sides bring a balance of textures and flavors to enhance the rest of the Ramadan spread.
For traditional side dishes to break the fast, try:
- Mujadara – If there’s one meal I consider my fallback go-to dish in my kitchen, it’s this mujadara recipe. It’s made with 3 main ingredients, including rice, lentils, and caramelized onions.
- Mujadara Hamra – A nutritious and comforting Middle Eastern dish featuring lentils, bulgur wheat, caramelized onion, and spices. This tasty side dish makes the perfect addition to your collection of iftar recipes.
- Pasta in Yogurt Sauce – In Arabic, this dish is often called Macarona bil laban, which literally translates to pasta in yogurt. Top with pine nuts and fresh parsley.
- Hummus Pasta – This creamy vegan pasta dish is a healthy Mediterranean-inspired side dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. It comes together in 15 minutes making it one of the quickest iftar ideas you can make.
- Lebanese Rice – This Arabic side dish, riz bi sha’riyeh, is a common side dish that accompanied many Lebanese recipes, growing up. It’s simple to make and complements any meats or stews amazingly well.
- Turmeric Rice – Simple and easy to make, this is a vibrant and earthy departure from your regular white rice but a welcomed addition to your repertoire of iftar recipes. Tasty, nutritious, and oh-so-good for you!
- Tomato Rice Pilaf – This simple rice dish is made with basic ingredients like brown rice, fresh tomatoes, and warm spices. It’s so easy to pull together yet yields amazing flavor.
- Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice – If you’re looking to cut back on carbs but still want to enjoy flavorful easy Ramadan recipes, this riced cauliflower recipe checks off all the boxes.
Chicken Recipes for Ramadan
A Ramadan meal plan isn’t complete without amazing chicken recipes. The versatility of chicken allows you to serve it in so many different ways, whether on a skewer or marinated with flavorful spices. These chicken recipes bring flavor, nutrition, and a good protein boost to your Ramadan spread.
- Chicken Kafta – Traditional Lebanese Chicken Kafta is so quick and easy to make with simple ingredients. It’s very similar to making the beef version but with a little change in the seasoning.
- Chicken Shish Kabobs – If you’re looking for fun Ramadan food ideas, kabobs are the way to go. This chicken is marinated with bright Mediterranean spices on a skewer with fresh veggies for an easy-to-make recipe that’s bursting with flavor.
- Chicken Shawarma – Make this oven-roasted chicken shawarma easily and quickly at home with my easy and authentic marinade recipe – it’s perfectly spiced, tender & oh-so-flavorful! Or, for an easier meal, consider turning it into chicken shawarma salad.
- Shish Tawook – Try this authentic shish tawook recipe – a popular Lebanese grilled chicken skewers recipe. It’s tender, juicy chicken marinated in yogurt, lemon, and garlic and a delicious addition to your list of easy Ramadan recipes.
- Harissa Chicken – Sweet and smokey red chili pepper creates a bold, spicy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect over rice for an easy weeknight meal.
- Chicken and Rice – Enjoy the flavors of Lebanese Roz a Djej with this easy-to-make comfort food. It combines the tasty flavors of ground beef, shredded chicken, and rice with aromatic blend of spices that everyone will love.
- Freekeh with Chicken – This Lebanese dish is full of flavor, high in protein from the chicken, and made with whole grain freekeh. It’s perfect for serving a crowd and is fit to top your collection of the best iftar recipes.
- Baked Za’atar Chicken – This seasoned dark meat is savory and juicy with classic Middle Eastern flavors that will quickly become your favorite Ramadan food ideas. Pair it with couscous or rice for a satisfying meal.
- Skillet Cilantro Chicken – Chicken breasts are marinated in fresh cilantro, zesty lemon juice, and garlic before searing them in a pan. It makes a quick weeknight meal or a sophisticated dinner over the weekend.
- Mediterranean Chicken Salad – Seasoned chicken breast is quickly grilled and added to a healthy salad before being drizzled with a zingy and tangy dressing. Easy, delicious, and will quickly become one of your favorite iftar ideas.
Other Main Ramadan Food Ideas
If you’re looking for protein-rich meals that go beyond chicken but have big flavor, you must try these tasty entrees. Choose a handheld option that you can make with pita bread stuffed with veggies and drizzle Garlic Sauce or Tahini Sauce over it. Or consider making one of the other easy Ramadan recipes and pair them with a tasty side.
- Beef Kafta – Made with ground beef, parsley, onions, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices- this traditional Lebanese recipe is perfect on the grill or stove. Trust me when I say you must add this to your Ramadan meal plan!
- Beef Kabobs – These grilled beef kabobs combine marinated sirloin, sweet bell peppers, and crisp onions for a tender, delicious “fall off the skewer” grilled steak kabob. Serve with Lebanese rice and a simple side salad for a satisfying meal.
- Lamb Kabobs – Seasoned with popular Lebanese spices, these lamb chunks and veggies make for one yummy meal! Bursting with flavor, these tender kabobs are a perfect addition to your iftar menu.
- Beef Shawarma – Beef shawarma wrap is a popular street food, especially in the Middle East. It’s made with flank steak, wrapped in pita bread with vegetables & tahini sauce. This is a nostalgic recipe made often in my house growing up.
- Baked Lamb Chops – Seared in cast iron until golden brown and then finished in the oven – so tender, they just melt in your mouth! And the best part? They come together with minimal prep!
- Lamb burger – Juicy and full of flavor, these grilled lamb burgers are quick and easy to make. Served with tzatziki, every bite is extra delicious and a must when you’re looking for Ramadan food ideas.
- Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Malfouf) – This is a traditional Lebanese recipe made by stuffing lightly cooked cabbage leaves with a mixture of rice, ground beef, and spices cooked in one pot.
- Shish Barak – A Middle Eastern favorite that’s perfect for any occasion but most certainly as part of a well-rounded Ramadan meal plan. Dough is filled with spiced ground beef and simmered in a creamy yogurt sauce.
- Lebanese Ground Beef (Hashweh) – Quick and easy to make, this traditional hashweh calls for simple ingredients but bold flavors. You won’t regret adding this one to your list of iftar ideas.
- Falafel – This authentic crispy Lebanese falafel recipe is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with chickpeas, herbs, onion, and spices. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free and packs a protein punch.
Favorite Ramadan Desserts
Going all day without eating makes you crave sweets, so be sure to leave a little room for dessert. Whether it’s the rich sweetness of a dessert or the simplicity of a nourishing drink, these Ramadan food ideas will certainly satisfy your sweet cravings.
Try these great treats and drinks to enjoy after breaking your fast:
- Sfouf – A Middle Eastern semolina turmeric cake made with simple ingredients, no eggs, and no butter. It’s vegan-friendly, light, and simply delightful! It’s also very delightful to have with coffee after you’ve had dinner.
- Homemade Lebanese Kanafa – Another popular Middle Eastern dessert recipe during the month of Ramadan. It features layered shredded dough and mozzarella cheese soaked with syrup.
- Almond Milk Rice Pudding – This almond milk rice pudding is an easy and delicious Middle Eastern dessert recipe that’s dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free. It’s a healthy take on a traditional pudding recipe.
- Lebanese Rice Pudding – Add this Lebanese rice pudding (Riz Bi Haleeb) with rose water and pistachios to your collection of easy Ramadan recipes! This Middle Eastern rice pudding is simple yet full of creamy goodness!
- Ghraybeh Cookies – Simple to make with only a few ingredients, these Ghraybeh shortbread cookies are made with rosewater and filled with jam for a tasty treat.
- Date Cookies – They are buttery rich, chewy, and pretty easy to make. Take a break from oatmeal raisin cookies and try these Mediterranean-inspired cookies full of naturally sweet dates
- Lebanese Baklava – This is a very special occasion dessert we eat during the holidays, after breaking our fast for Ramadan, or during big events with family. This version is unique, with an aromatic simple syrup flavored with rose water.
- Semolina Almond Cake – This almond cake is a delicious, almond-rich dessert with a nice texture and delicious flavor. It’s made with almond flour and semolina and topped with slivered almonds for a nice crunch.
- Namoura (Semolina Cake) – Whether you call it Namoura, Basbousa, or just Semolina cake, this authentic recipe will make your taste buds happy. Made with semolina flour and almonds and topped with simple syrup.
- Golden Milk Turmeric Latte! – This latte is like warm liquid sunshine in a cup with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a kick of flavor that will give you a nice boost! Basically, it’s a hug in a mug and you’ll fall in love with it at first sip!
Frequently asked questions
There is no one “best” food for iftar, as everyone’s tastes and preferences vary. However, some good options include fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. My go-to recipes are peas and carrot stew, mujadara, beef kafta, and fattoush salad.
You can eat your normal diet for iftar, but it’s important to make sure your meals are healthy and balanced. Try to avoid eating processed, convenience foods with little nutritional value. If you’re craving sweets, opt for homemade desserts made with healthy ingredients. If you’re craving salty, load up on hummus and pita chips. Things that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats should be consumed in moderation.
Suhoor is typically a light meal, so try to avoid eating heavy foods that will weigh you down throughout the day. You want to eat something that is going to keep you satiated but not make you feel bloated or sluggish. My favorite suhoor recipes are overnight oats that I mentioned above. You may also want to consider drinking a balanced shake or smoothie to help keep you energized throughout the day.
What happens if you eat food or drink water during Ramadan?
Ramadan is all about intentions, and it’s a personal commitment you make to yourself. If you eat or drink by mistake, you can resume with your fast as intended. If you are tired and can no longer continue the fast, it’s best to put your health first and break the fast before sunset with some food and water and try again tomorrow.
There are strong health benefits associated with fasting for Ramadan if done right. I hope this collection of delicious Ramadan food ideas gives you some insight into how to honor this month, stay energized, and cook some healthy and easy Ramadan recipes this year.
Ramadan Mubarak, and I hope you enjoy these Ramadan recipes.
Full list of Ramadan Recipes
Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.